California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has released a provocative digital advertisement titled “Just Try It, California” that has generated significant controversy within political circles. The ad features two young women sitting on a bed in a dimly lit setting with a Pride flag displayed in the background. Their conversation includes a suggestive double entendre related to mail-in voting, drawing attention for its provocative tone and imagery.

The advertisement has elicited strong reactions from both within and outside the Republican Party. Sonja Shaw, a former Republican candidate for state superintendent, described the ad as “creepy, weird, disturbing garbage.” Meanwhile, Michael Gates, who is running for attorney general, accused Hilton of exploiting young women as political props. Several political consultants critiqued the ad as confusing and offensive, with some suggesting it was a desperate attempt to gain attention amid Hilton’s substantial polling deficit against Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra.

Hilton defended the ad, acknowledging that while some viewers had taken offense, he believed most responses were positive. He described the advertisement as “genius” and stood by its creative approach. Nonetheless, the ad has sparked a broader discussion about campaign tactics and messaging tone within California’s Republican Party as it prepares for a challenging gubernatorial race in a predominantly Democratic state.